Steatite heart scarab
amulet

From EgyptNew Kingdom,
about 1550-1069 BC

The heart amulet became popular in the New
Kingdom (about 1550-1070 BC) , at the same time as the
Book
of the Dead. It became
one of the most important amulets, one or more being placed on the
upper torso of nearly all mummies. Some examples are shaped like a
bull's heart, the hieroglyphic sign for
'heart'. Others have a scarab shape, the insect
being associated with
rebirth.

The Egyptians
regarded the heart as the seat of intelligence, emotion and memory.
It was left in the body during
mummification.
If it was removed by mistake, it was sewn back into place. Four
whole chapters of the Book of the
Dead are concerned with making sure that the
heart was not separated from the body. The weighing of the heart
against the feather of truth determined whether the deceased would
be allowed to enter the Afterlife. The underside of the heart
amulet was often inscribed with a spell from the
Book of the Dead,
instructing it: 'do not be opposed in the
tribunal'. The underside of this example is inscribed with
Chapter 30b of the Book of the
Dead.

The
use of carnelian was prescribed for heart scarabs, but green and
blue stones, symbolizing regeneration, were often used, and
imitated in faience, frit or glass.